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Poverty Results from Structural Barriers, Not Personal Choices. Safety Net Programs Should Reflect That Fact

Poverty Results from Structural Barriers, Not Personal Choices. Safety Net Programs Should Reflect That Fact
2021
Urban Institute
Author(s): 
Heather Hahn, Margaret Simms
Poverty Results from Structural Barriers, Not Personal Choices. Safety Net Programs Should Reflect That Fact
Source Sector(s)
Non-profit
Benefits Program
TANF: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
SNAP: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Level of Government
Federal/National
State/Provincial
Local/Municipal
Location
United States
Format
Report

The structure of many social safety net programs ignore systemic barriers rooted in structural racism that disproportionately affect people of color. Instead, these programs are meager and punitive, designed to blame individual shortcomings. The current economic crisis and its disproportionate impacts highlight the need to redesign safety net programs to rectify these inequities and ensure everyone can access the resources they need to provide for their families.